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Universities create 3D printing spaces but at unequal paces

Earlier this week, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) held its annual International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition in San Diego. Paramount was a discussion on 3D printing and

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Earlier this week, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) held its annual International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition in San Diego. Paramount was a discussion on 3D printing and manufacturing and its impact for our future.

One of the 12 technologies outlined by McKinsey Global Institute as having the potential to transform life, business and the global economy, 3D printing is the process of creating a three-dimensional object using digital media.

Things such as disposable underwear, prosthetics and jewelry have been made using a 3D printer. This past week, buzz surrounded Microsoft and its announcement of a 3D printing app for its Windows 8.1.

According to Madiha Kotb, president of ASME, colleges and universities need to catch up with the latest in 3D printing and manufacturing. Ideally these technological advancements should be made in the K-12 curriculum, she says.

Colleges and universities have begun to play an important role in creating spaces for 3D printing on campus — in the university library, in many cases.

Schools like the University of New Hampshire, University of Alabama and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have dedicated spaces where students and staff can learn how to use the equipment and make prototypes.

Venky Venkatachalam, professor and associate dean at the University of New Hampshire's business school, says the school's recent addition of a 3D printer has generated great interest from students not only in the business school, but in the liberal arts, science, engineering and law divisions.

At the University of Alabama, 53 students were trained in using the equipment and the school has outlined new opportunities for research. According to a report by the school, the feedback from the students and community has been overwhelmingly positive.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign set up the Illinois MakerLab last winter and has since received about 1,000 visitors, says Aric Rindfleisch, executive director of the lab.

The Lab sees about a dozen students a day and up to 200-300 during student workshops.

But on the campuses of schools such as Emory and Georgetown, 3D printing technology is not available.

"3D printing has important implications for research advancements — it'd be definitely wise for schools to have this equipment," says Neil Sethi, senior at Emory University.

Schools that don't offer the latest in 3D printing advancement — or in the next big advancement — could be dismissed by prospective college students and parents.

Lorna Sheridan, parent of a high school sophomore, explains it's very exciting seeing her son immersed in his 3D printing class at Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa, Calif.

In searching for the right college, Sheridan says the family will primarily focus on schools that invest in the technology like 3D printing.

Rindfleisch says that the startup cost for setting up a 3D printing lab isn't too high and all you need is a passion for the technology.

"We'd be happy for other universities to follow in Illinois's lead," he explains. "Start off small with a printer or two and that can spin off into something bigger — it's easy for non-believers to become believers."

Sethi agrees, and hopes all schools will invest in 3D printing technology soon.